BBC, North East Screen back four prodcos through Digital Accelerator scheme

Four production companies based in the North East of England have been selected to receive £100,000 (US$134,000) each through a Digital Accelerator initiative to pilot and deliver Gen Z-skewing digital-first content.

Mariel Capisciolto

The programme was launched last year by UK pubcaster the BBC and screen agency North East Screen.

Following a competitive selection process, the four companies chosen are Adventure Alliance Films and Northern Child, both based in Newcastle, FilmNova (Gateshead) and Wander Films (Middlesbrough). They will now take their ideas into the next stage of development, supported by investment, industry expertise and direct access to leading content commissioners and digital specialists.

Producers will learn how to create video content aimed at 16- to 24-year-old viewers both for the BBC and platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Twitch. The programme covers content types including livestreams and vertical video, as well as creator collaborations and platform-native storytelling.

The Digital Accelerator is part of the BBC’s wider commitment to growing production capacity and creative opportunity across the UK, with a focus on building a sustainable digital production ecosystem in the North East.

Mariel Capisciolto, head of digital development at the BBC, said: “What has been particularly exciting about this programme is the ambition and diversity of ideas coming from these four companies, from creator-led entertainment and competitive championships to outdoor adventures and new YouTube channels.

“We’re backing them not just to make great content, but to experiment with new ways of reaching audiences and building sustainable businesses beyond traditional commissioning models.”